MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

Preface:

In order to frame the mission, goals, and objectives within the unique context of California State University, Los Angeles we begin this section with a few introductory remarks. California's public higher-education system, originally intended and generally accepted to be a unique model, is designed in three tiers: the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and community colleges.

Each tier is defined in terms of a constituency. The University of California system includes nine campuses and serves the top twelve percent of high school graduates; the California State University has twenty-three campuses and is charged with serving the top third of high school graduates; community college campuses number over one hundred and serve the upper half of high school graduates, including life-long learning.

The result of California's master plan on the CSU is that each campus has a defined service area, and recruitment outside of that service area is not generally a component of the original intent. Further, entrance exams are not part of the CSU requirements. Entrance from high school directly to a CSU campus is determined by a system-wide formula which evaluates the combination of GPA and standardized test scores. Transfer students are evaluated on another formula of GPA and minimum unit requirements. Individual departments of music are not permitted to exclude participation by individual students who qualify for the university-at-large. Entrance exams are therefore used for placement and only to determine appropriate prerequisites for the degree curriculum. All students are permitted to take their chances and to earn a degree.

Cal State L.A.'s service area is generally recognized as an urban environment. Local public school districts, as well as private and parochial high schools, have faced tremendous financial challenge throughout the past ten years. As a result, music programs in these schools do not adequately prepare most students for the study of music at the university level. Therefore, much of the effort of this department is designed to address the needs of these students. It is within the context of this reality that we strategize our mission, goals, and objectives.

Mission:

The Music Department of California State University, Los Angeles is committed to providing the most effective environment in which students are prepared artistically, intellectually and pragmatically to achieve success in traditional, contemporary and emerging fields.